The opening round of the French Open on May 25 features several experienced names looking to make strong starts in Paris. Tommy Paul arrives in excellent form after winning the Hamburg title and should be confident against Rinky Hijikata, while Alex de Minaur’s consistency and clay-court experience make him a strong favourite against qualifier Toby Samuel. Meanwhile, Gael Monfils will look to feed off the home crowd atmosphere in what could be his final appearance at Roland Garros.
ATP French Open 1/64-Finals
De Minaur – Samuel: 25.05.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alex de Minaur has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, de Minaur lost to Paul in the semifinals in three sets. Last season in Paris, the Australian lost to Bublik in the second round.
Toby Samuel has won three of his last five matches. This week in Paris, the Brit surprisingly qualified for the main draw. In the final qualifying round, Samuel defeated Bueno in three sets, after losing the opening set.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, de Minaur is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is in solid forHe is in solid form and had decent success in Paris two years ago, reaching the quarterfinals.d skill set will prevail in this match.
That being said, de Minaur covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex de Minaur -7.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Gaston – Monfils: 25.05.2026 20:15 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Hugo Gaston has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, the Frenchman lost to Khachanov in the opening round in three sets. He has been granted a wild card for this week’s tournament in Paris.
Gael Monfils has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Madrid, over a month ago, where he lost in the opening match. He has been granted a wild card for this week’s French Open.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Monfils will have his last dance at the French Open and will give his all. With the crowd’s support, we expect him to overcome the first obstacle.
That being said, Monfils winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Gael Monfils winning @1.91 @bet365
Hijikata – Paul: 25.05.2026 14:30 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Rinky Hijikata has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, Hijikata lost to Altmaier in the opening round in straight sets. He has never made it past the opening round at the French Open.
Tommy Paul has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, Paul won the title, defeating Buse in the final. He lost to Alcaraz last season in the quarterfinals of the French Open.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Paul is the heavy favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is in solid form and has more experience than Hijikata at the Grand Slam level. Hijikata has never advanced past the opening round, and we expect the same this season.
That being said, Paul covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tommy Paul -8.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
